Representation by Cuxton Parish Council (Cuxton Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 20 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Parish councils
Cuxton Parish Council have participated in the consultation events even though Cuxton lies outside the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) Project area. However, its proximity to the A2 and M2 will mean it will still be adversely impacted by the Project. Currently, when there is an accident or other issue that results in traffic queuing on the A2 and M2, vehicles use the Cobham exit on the A2 to travel down Cobhambury Lane, Warren Road and Bush Road to join the A228 at Cuxton. These roads are primarily rural, with Bush Road running through the centre of Cuxton village. Another frequent scenario occurs when there are traffic delays on the M20 and drivers seek an alternative route in order to continue their journey by utilising the A228 to enter Cuxton and continue onward to the A2/M2 via either Cobham or the A228 Sundridge Hill, depending on what the quickest route their devices advise. The main issues of concern are: 1. Increased traffic during construction when the number of lanes on the A2 will be reduced to facilitate the construction traffic. This will have a major impact on the volume of traffic using the rural roads between Cobham and the A228 at Cuxton. 2. The predicted increase in the volume of traffic (LMC, 7.16, 7.1.34) will result in queuing in the south arm of the Bush Road/A228 junction. This junction is not signalised and so the length of the queues at the junction may effectively block access to the main residential area of the village. If this happens on street parking and queuing traffic will eventually prevent vehicles entering the village with serious consequences for northbound traffic on the A228. 3. Increased traffic through the village, past the schools, nurseries and shops has the potential to increase the risk of accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians and cyclists. 4. Adverse noise and vibration effects on Sundridge Hill, Pilgrims Way and Rochester Road (LMC, 7.16, 7.1.42). 5. Damage to the highway along Bush Road as a consequence of increased traffic. 6. Air pollution in the vicinity of Cuxton will exceed the annual mean NO2 AQS objective even in the absence of the Project (LMC, 7.16,7.1.44).